The area that connects Cambridge to Milton Keynes and Oxford spans 130 miles and brings together some of the UK’s most vibrant urban centers, with promising economic opportunities for the nation as a whole. Urban areas such as Cambridge and Oxford play a vital role in the UK economy by making contributions to the national output; for instance, Milton Keynes stands out by generating 23% more Gross Value Added (GVA) per worker compared to the country’s average, as per data from Centre for Cities.
However, there is a pressing issue of housing supply that poses a threat to the continued growth of these cities. The housing market in Cambridge and Oxford is particularly challenging, with median price-to-income ratios soaring to 13:1, making them among the least affordable cities in the UK. The insights provided in the National Infrastructure Commission’s 2017 report underscore this concern. But Collaborating for Growth and Success lays out a strategy to tackle these obstacles by striving to create one million residences and employment opportunities by 2050 while safeguarding the area’s ecological balance across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.
The Commission’s vision revolves around game-changing infrastructure initiatives like the East-West Rail and the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway. These projects seek to link the Arc’s job markets, where traveling between hubs such as Oxford and Cambridge is currently hindered by inadequate transportation connections in the east-west direction. The East West Rail project, scheduled for completion by 2030, will establish a commuter railway network between areas while opening up opportunities for new residential developments.
The Expressway, set for completion by 2025, will work alongside other modes of transportation. To support the development of various housing projects, ranging from smaller garden towns. With 10,000 homes to larger city-scale developments, with up to 150,000 homes planned. But it will develop immediate goals involving improving rail services to Cowley by 2019 . And establishing a station in Cambridge South by 2022 to cater to connectivity demands. These investments are critical because the Commission emphasizes that without decisive action, the Oxford-Cambridge Arc could lag behind global competitors and weaken the UK’s economic advantage.
The report suggests that to address the need for housing in the region effectively and meet demands, there is a call to double the rate at which houses are built. A goal that would require unprecedented cooperation between local governmental bodies. A crucial part of this strategy involves establishing new settlements. The first new towns in the UK since Milton Keynes. To oversee these projects successfully and ensure community benefits are prioritized. Development Corporations will be given authority to acquire land and manage development.
The Commission stresses the importance of land acquisition practices. By recommending purchases at values set before development begins, guarantees that gains are shared with communities. Local governments should also ensure the development of urban transportation strategies backed by. By long-term funding to facilitate progress and growth in cities. An example of this approach in action could involve agreements. That provides control over bus services and innovative ticketing solutions to promote sustainable infrastructure.
Engaging with the community is crucial to improving the quality of life through these developments. The contest organized by the Commission highlighted concepts from industries to create sustainable and connected neighborhoods. City Business (CB), an online platform mentioned in the competition entry, can play a role in supporting these initiatives. CB allows city officials to collect feedback from residents using surveys and sentiment analysis tools to ensure that new projects align with community needs. It offers a user dashboard and AI-powered analysis. To assist in decision-making processes and promote communication. Blaise Aboh, co-founder of CB, remarks that they utilize technologies to facilitate dialogues. A value that resonates with the Commission’s emphasis on fostering inclusive development initiatives within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.
Reforms in governance are just as important as the infrastructure recommendations. One suggestion is to establish a Strategic Partnership Board by 2018. To create a long-term vision for the year 2050 that encompasses economic development and land usage planning. To enhance coordination and planning efficiency at a sub-regional level, growth boards like the Oxfordshire Growth Board exist. It will be revamped into joint planning committees to finalize spatial plans by 2020. And these new structures are designed to encourage collaborative decision-making and draw inspiration from models. Such as the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayoral Combined Authority. The Commission emphasizes the importance of officials collaborating. For the good of the country, and providing consistent updates on progress to maintain momentum.
The triumph of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc will have far-reaching impacts beyond its boundaries, enhancing the UK’s competitiveness. Through investments in infrastructure and housing while fostering community-driven planning. By maintaining its status as a hub for knowledge-intensive activities, the Arc will continue to attract talent and innovation. The collaborative efforts of national stakeholders in bringing this vision to life position the Oxford-Cambridge Arc to set standards for sustainable development and forge vibrant communities for future generations.
